Marmalade, a traditional spread made from citrus fruits, can be time-consuming and tricky to make. But with the help of a sous vide cooker, you can achieve perfectly cooked marmalade with minimal effort. The gentle heating of the sous vide method allows for the flavors to meld together perfectly, and the precise temperature control ensures that the marmalade will set to the perfect consistency.
Ingredients
To make sous vide marmalade, you will need a sous vide cooker, a vacuum sealer and bags, and the following ingredients:
- Oranges, lemons, limes or any other citrus fruits
- Sugar
- Water
Instructions
- Start by preparing the fruits. Slice the citrus fruits, discarding any seeds. Cut the rind into thin strips or chop it into small pieces.
- In a pan over medium heat, simmer the fruit rind with water and sugar until the rind is tender. This step is important to obtain a good texture.
- Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature.
- Once cooled, add the fruit pulp to the rind mixture.
- Vacuum seal the mixture and place it in the sous vide cooker.
- Set the temperature to 185°F (85°C) and cook for 12-24 hours. The cooking time will depend on the type and quantity of fruits you are using.
- Remove the bag from the water and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Once cooled, transfer the marmalade to clean glass jars and store in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy your homemade marmalade on toast, scones or as a glaze on meats.
Tips and Tricks
- You can use any type of citrus fruits. Mix and match to create your own unique flavor.
- For a thicker consistency, you can cook the mixture for a longer period of time.
- If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, you can use a food-grade zip-lock bag and the water displacement method to remove the air from the bag.
- If you prefer a sweeter marmalade, you can add more sugar. If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add less sugar.
- You can also make marmalade in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
- To test if the marmalade is set, place a teaspoon of marmalade on a plate and let it cool down to room temperature. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it is set.
Conclusion
Sous vide cooking is a great way to make marmalade as it allows you to achieve a perfect consistency with minimal effort. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together perfectly and the precise temperature control ensures that the marmalade will set to the perfect consistency. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade marmalade!
